Policy
Energy & Environment
After weeks of public teasing, Hochul outlines proposals to roll back climate law mandates
State lawmakers say Gov. Kathy Hochul hasn’t sent over proposed changes to the law yet, but the governor sketched out her plans in an op-ed this week.
Zohran Mamdani
3 big questions about Mamdani’s new Office of Community Safety
The much-anticipated office has a leader, but a vague mandate.
Artificial Intelligence
Hochul, DiNapoli want more information on AI’s threat and benefits to the workforce
A new commission is tasked with creating policy remedies to the potential rise in automation.
Energy & Environment
Hochul says plan to amend climate law won’t lower utility rates
Gov. Kathy Hochul said her bid to change the emissions reduction deadlines are meant to prevent future rate increases, but it’s “stupid” to say it would impact current rates.
Real Estate
‘Mr. Mayor, I would choose you as an adversary any day of the week.’ Some Council members are readying for latest rental voucher fight
Advocates and some City Council members say expanding CityFHEPS housing assistance is key to preventing homelessness. Budget watchdogs warn it’s unsustainable.
Immigration
Lawmakers want Hochul to use clemency power to protect immigrants
The Clemency Justice Act would make applying for executive clemency easier and more transparent.
Policy
State AG Letitia James pushes ban on surveillance pricing
New York already requires companies to disclose when they set prices based on people’s personal data. Now, lawmakers want to ban the practice entirely.
Policy
Planned Parenthood: Hochul’s buffer zone bill may be unconstitutional
Reproductive health centers worry the proposal to restrict protests would violate New Yorkers’ First Amendment rights.
Policy
Rather than weaken climate law, Assembly proposes $500 checks to cover higher energy bills
The Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate would send one-time checks to more than 5 million New Yorkers.
Budget
Mark Levine has questions about Zohran Mamdani’s math
At a preliminary budget hearing Wednesday, the comptroller will outline his two-year budget gap estimate of at least $7.3 billion, and explain why he’s skeptical about the mayor’s revenue projections.
Events
70K older New Yorkers on waitlists for basic services
Advocates spoke at an AARP panel are seeking more funding to implement the state’s Master Plan for Aging.
Policy
State legislators gear up for budget fight with one-house proposals
Both the state Senate and Assembly included tax hikes on the wealthy in their budget rebuttals, while rejecting the governor’s marquee pitch for car insurance reform.
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Budget
Council: Mamdani doesn’t need to tap rainy day reserve to close FY26 budget gap
The New York City Council’s preliminary budget hearings will start Wednesday.
Policy
Gounardes wants moratorium on sale of AI chatbot-enabled kids’ toys
After passing the RAISE Act, state Sen. Andrew Gounardes is drafting regulation aimed at keeping ChatGPT out of teddy bears.
Energy & Environment
Mike Lawler, and the Trump admin, wants to reopen Indian Point
Hochul loves nuclear power, but not the shuttered Hudson Valley power plant.
Albany Agenda
Hochul remains firm on immigrant protections after meeting with Trump’s border czar
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Trump’s border czar Tom Homan met in Albany following the death of a nearly blind Burmese refugee in Buffalo.
Policy
After years of missed transport targets, the NYC DOT says it’s reworking bus lane goals
New Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn said the Mamdani administration would focus on bus speeds and safety, not just more bus lane miles.
Policy
Lawmakers want independent medical examiner’s office to investigate prison deaths
It’s unclear how much it would cost to create the new entity within the state Commission of Correction.
Energy & Environment
Activists dispute Hochul’s claims about cost of complying with climate law
A new report highlights potential benefits of a cap-and-invest program, including energy rebates for millions of households.
Policy
Clergy oppose Hochul’s car insurance reforms
Over a dozen clergy members signed onto a letter urging legislative leaders to reject the governor’s proposals they say would harm members of their parishes.
